SNIPPETS OF MY WRITING. Full piece on Substack!
I apologize for the bad cropping. I only shared a few of my “cheat codes” here—Spite, Sex, Hair Oil, and a little closing—but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
There’s so much more in the full piece: perfume that grounds me when everything feels unbearable, music that lets me drown in my own mood until it breaks me open, chaotic purchases that somehow make life feel magical, useless facts that remind me the world is wild and strange, and why writing is the only proof I have that I’ve truly lived.
PrettyBleak is about being completely unfiltered. None of it is aesthetic, curated, or “healthy” the way wellness influencers want you to believe—but it’s mine, and it keeps me alive. These are the threads I’ve stitched together to survive, to feel, to remind myself that life is worth staying for.
If any of this hits you, or even makes you pause for a second, the full story is waiting for you on Substack. Don’t just scroll past—read it, sit with it, and see the rest of my glimmers. There’s honesty, weirdness, humor, sadness, and little sparks of life that you won’t find anywhere else.
Subscribing isn’t just about getting more content. It’s about joining me in this space where survival can be messy, defiant, and beautiful in its own way. These are my cheat codes for staying alive—and if you feel like you need a few for yourself, PrettyBleak’s got you. 🌟
Survival and self-care look different for everyone, especially when navigating mental health challenges. These unique 'cheat codes' go beyond the usual curated wellness aesthetics seen online and delve into real, personal practices that keep one afloat through tough times. Spite serves as a powerful motivator, transforming feelings of rejection and doubt into fuel for perseverance. It's a raw, honest energy that propels people forward even when gratitude feels out of reach. This emotional fire can help in moments when self-doubt and external skepticism threaten to overwhelm. Sex, often misunderstood in society, is reframed as a primal, unfiltered connection. Stripping away social stigmas reveals it as a profound human experience — a language of bodies, intimacy, and mutual vulnerability that can untangle emotional knots and reaffirm our humanity. Then there’s the simple yet profound ritual of massaging hair oil. This practice, steeped in tradition and maternal care, is more than just physical maintenance. It creates a moment of pause, grounding, and self-kindness — reminding one of their worth and presence in the world. These components reflect an authentic survival toolkit that rejects superficial wellness trends. They celebrate messy, imperfect, and deeply personal ways to stay alive, feel, and find meaning. Incorporating unconventional elements like chaotic purchases or embracing wild, useless facts highlights life’s unpredictability and magic. Ultimately, writing itself acts as a lifeline — a tangible proof of existence, a way to process feelings, and a testament to having truly lived. Accepting the unfiltered reality of mental health and survival encourages readers to sit with and reflect on their own experiences, finding their own 'cheat codes' to carry them through dark times. This approach invites a sense of community where honesty and vulnerability are strengths, not weaknesses. It pushes back against polished social media facades and embraces the beautiful, defiant messiness of being human.
🍋omygoodness. heck, yes. yes, please! I absolutely love it. Couldn't agree more. 👏 😍💯🥰❤️🔥